i. Prepare Materials. Open the disposable suction set (if used) or prepare
materials for suctioning.
(1)
Open the sterile solution basin on the bedside table.
(2) Pour the sterile solution into the solution basin without contaminating the
solution, basin, or sterile field.
(3) Follow the package directions and open the suction catheter package to
expose the suction part of the catheter.
(4) Open the sterile gloves package. In a disposable kit, the catheter and a
sterile glove may be wrapped together. If the gloves are wrapped separately from the
suction catheter, open the catheter package first.
j. Oxygenate the Patient. Provide additional oxygen for the patient prior to
suctioning in order to prevent further hypoxemia (oxygen deficiency in the blood).
Suctioning removes available air and oxygen as well as removing accumulated
secretions.
(1) If the patient is on oxygen therapy, increase the percentage of oxygen to
100 percent for one minute.
NOTE:
If the patient has a respiratory disease, check with the supervisor before
increasing oxygen.)
(2)
If the patient is not on oxygen, have him take a minimum of five deep
breaths.
(3) If the patient is unable to breathe on his own, administer five breaths
with a BVM system.
k. Put on Sterile Glove(s).
(1) Some suction kits provide only one sterile glove. If only one sterile glove
is available, put it on your dominant hand. Use the gloved hand to handle sterile items.
The gloved hand must remain sterile throughout the procedure.
(2) If two sterile gloves are available, put one glove on your nondominate
hand. Then put the remaining glove on your dominate hand. Your gloved dominate
hand will be used to handle sterile items and must remain sterile throughout the
procedure. The glove on the other hand provides protection to you and is used to
handle nonsterile items.
MD0542
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